Malaysian women entrepreneurs on the rise: Irwan Serigar

KUALA LUMPUR: The number of Malaysian women entrepreneurs has been increasing over the years, on the back of the government’s awareness and outreach programmes.

Treasury Secretary-General Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah said the interest and participation among women in entrepreneurship was also encouraging, with more women participating in new and non-traditional sectors.

“Over the years, we’ve been seeing an emerging trend of more women choosing to start their own businesses. However, we don’t see too many of these businesses achieving the growth and scale that they should.

“Women are still lagging behind in terms of business leadership. But, I believe this will change with the increasing number of women entrepreneurs, and some potentials,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the Global Mentoring Walk event here today.

It was organised by the Association of Bumiputera Women Entrepreneur Network of Malaysia (Wena).

The Global Mentoring Walk is part of a global movement to inspire women through mentorship.

Each year, women leaders gather to walk with community members and share their professional challenges and successes, in an effort to establish a mentoring relationship.

Wena President Nadira Yusoff said about 200 mentors and mentees participated in the event today.

“This is the fifth year it is being held in Malaysia, and the first time men are partcipating.

“With most of the mentees being from the younger generation, there is a need for a concerted effort to provide them with the guidance they need, through mentoring,” she added.

She said mentoring had been proven to be one of the most important steps in establishing a successful career. — Bernama